Navy Federal Credit Union

Garth Wright was boren in the borough of Ipswich, England, and became an American citizen in 1955 while serving as a U.S. Army Infantryman. He joined the U.S. Air Force in 1962, and was one of only two non-aircrew officers to receive the Air Force Cross during the Vietnam War.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Batallion:

    35th Security Police Squadron

    Division:

    Phan Rang Air Base, Vietnam

    Action Date:

    January 26, 1969

    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-529 (October 8, 1969)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Lieutenant Colonel Garth A. Wright (AFSN: 0-3145838), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Security Operations Officer in the 35th Security Police Squadron, at Phan Rang Air Base, Vietnam, in action in the Republic of Vietnam, on 26 January 1969. On that date, Captain Wright was the key factor in repelling a highly trained and specialized North Vietnamese Army Company that was infiltrating Phan Rang. With professionalism, confidence, and extraordinary coolness under fire, Captain Wright organized and directed a blocking force that broke the attack. Walking into point-blank range of a heavily armed opposing squad concealed in the brush, Captain Wright, through fast reaction and exceptional skill, saved his men from possible annihilation and prevented the hostile forces from overrunning the base. Through his extraordinary heroism and aggressiveness in the face of determined action by hostile forces, Captain Wright reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.